Landing at the World's Most Dangerous Tenzing-Hillary Lukla Airport (2800m) - Day 4.4

The Summmit Air airplane took off from Ramechhap Airport (493m), navigating for around 20 minutes through the valleys and mountains to land (4:07) in Lukla (2800m). The pilot (5:12) was kind enough to open the side curtain (1:22), sensing that I am trying to record the cockpit view of the landing.
Tenzing-Hillary Airport (IATA: LUA, ICAO: VNLK), also known as simply Lukla Airport, is a domestic airport and altiport in the town of Lukla, in Khumbu Pasanglhamu, Solukhumbu District, Province No. 1 of Nepal (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenzing.... It gained worldwide fame as it was rated the most dangerous airport in the world for more than 20 years by a program titled Most Extreme Airports, broadcast on The History Channel in 2010. Tenzing-Hillary Airport is frequently referred to as the most dangerous airport in the world. Arriving and departing aircraft must use a single very short runway (06/24). There is a low prospect of a successful go-around on short final approach due to the terrain. There is high terrain immediately beyond the northern end of the runway and a steeply angled drop at the southern end of the runway into the valley below. Due to the difficulties of successfully landing at the airport, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal sets high standards, according to which only experienced pilots, who have completed at least 100 short-takeoff-and-landing (STOL) missions, have over one year of STOL experience in Nepal, and have completed ten flights into Lukla with a certified instructor pilot, are allowed to land at the airport.
The model of the airplane is Let L-410 Turbolet, which is a twin-engine short-range transport aircraft, manufactured by the Czech aircraft manufacturer Let Kunovice (named Aircraft Industries since 2005), often used as an airliner. The aircraft is capable of landing on short and unpaved runways and operating under extreme conditions from −50 °C (−58 °F) to +50 °C (122 °F). By 2016, 1,200 L-410s had been built, and over 350 are in service in more than 50 countries (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Let_L-4....

[@Teri_Berk]

It was very nice of pilot to bring the window curtain down after he saw the passenger trying to film out of that window. Not to mention the magnificent view of the mountains.

[@aumarigan]

It wasn't for the benifit of the passenger filming. It's part of the approach and before landing checklist.

[@titocolon6734]

@@aumarigan k

[@jpkatz1435]

I saw in his smile a VERY kind man.

[@zeeschepper]

At 01:20 😂

[@jayesh5131]

Respect 🗿

[@brianvittachi6869]

Beautiful scenery on approach. That pilot make it look like he is driving a taxi on city streets. Thanks for the upload.

[@Bohnzye]

And again, "Respect", These types of pilot skills only come from thorough knowledge of these mountain elevations and years of experience. Amazing.

[@Harald-]

And balls of steel!

[@BenErikNess]

Cool video! Was there in 85... The runway was grass and gravel... And the pilots are world class!

[@quackgarage9551]

The captain photo at the end, GIGA CHAD

[@kimmingsiew3783]

One hundred percents of concentration to pilot the plane into the narrow mountain airport run way. Congratulation for the splendid skillful landing.

[@handsupbud]

Man o man it sure looked like he was coming in hot as heck. I recently got Microsoft Flightsim 2020 and the realism of landing at this airport is unbelivable. My hats off to the pilots who actually fly the real approach and get it right.

[@rvnmedic1968]

Loads of skill and nerves of steel. Fighting mountain air currents and the hazardous approach of the runway was awesome. I swear his wheels were only inches above the threshold when he landed. Thanks for filming that, Aleksandr! Cheers from Syracuse, NY! Bob

[@earlhowardiii8277]

Could not have said it any better

[@fourfortyroadrunner6701]

Not to mention you have no choice of landing or takeoff direction, regardless of wind conditions

[@amarissimus29]

Cripes, I bet a go-around that requires a mining license is a decent motivator.

[@harryring9597]

Fantastic ! Thanks for sharing.❤

[@globe2555]

@@earlhowardiii8277 You could try.

[@avagrego3195]

I've flown into that airport but didn't know how dangerous it is. Very beautiful scenery.

[@sandrineowen]

I love watching the professionalism ! ... Thank you for these magnificent landscapes seen from the plane.

[@MrBluesilverred]

Love the beautiful photography. Who would have ever thought to construct an airport runway in that location? Oh my…..

[@arceniocf8424]

Gracias por compartir el video desde el Aire y apreciar lo espectacular del paisaje desde lo alto, y buena toma también al piloto frente a la cabina de mando. Espectacular el aterrizaje en el aeropuerto en lo alto de la montaña. Un abrazo desde Perú lleno de bendiciones

[@nk7155]

What a skilled landing. Amazing!

[@Jackson35320]

Wow, weather and landscape looks beautiful

[@fghgffgvbgh]

Brilliant video and hats off to the pilot

[@soujrnr]

Very nicely done! The view is gorgeous as well! Thanks for sharing this!

[@1987whitez]

At first I was thinking he was coming to HOT for landing but he knew what he was doing, nice landing and flying .

[@p.barbosa1895]

Good on feet and hands (how we say here in Brasil)

[@driveman6490]

This particular aircraft has a payload of 3,968lbs......most of which is needed to carry the pilots massive balls.

[@jpkatz1435]

The Capt.Sully of there-a-bouts.

[@iankhan1882]

Ok, now that's spectacular. What a great video.

[@kola2345hd]

Круто !!! Пилот профессионал!!! 👍👍👍

[@user-vk1yu7uh9p]

И человек внимательный, шторку убрал - знает, что для людей очень интересное зрелище!!!

[@lennykarat]

Lukla landings are always great to watch. Nice to see a newer addition to the list.

[@davidcsolano7269]

All my respect and admiration for such an amazing pilot!

[@atsherpa]

Captain is my bro in law…captain TENZING lama

[@jonjon7311]

WOW !!! That really hits home how difficult and vital it is to get it right !! Great video. Thanks 😍

[@gicousinjoe6199]

With a glass of the finest aged Scotch in one hand and the controls of his vintage aircraft in the other, the Most Interesting Man in the World approached the runway at Tenzing-Hillary Airport-a strip of land more precarious than the balance of flavors in his drink. Where seasoned pilots tread with caution, he sauntered with ease, viewing the daunting airstrip in the same way as if he were merely choosing the evening's cheese to pair with his wine. Navigating the Himalayan winds with the finesse of a ballet dancer, he whispered to the plane, a machine that seemed to understand his very thoughts, guiding it to kiss the ground as gently as a snowflake on the tongue of a Sherpa. The landing was legendary, and executed with a swagger that made the heart of every onlooker skip a beat. Then, paragliding into a nearby monastary, the Most Interesting Man in the World’s mere presence coaxed the monks into breaking their vow of silence, to exchange wisdom on the sanctity of aged spirits.

[@ariarsomahdi]

Incredible pilot skills and brave to fly the plane through surrounding terrains, Bravo Captain.safe the flight in the sky and GBU.

[@worldaviation4k]

*Love the curtain addition 😊*

[@space1commander]

Very nice shot on final. Thanks for sharing.

[@asono11]

Gosh, even landing at this airport in Flight Simulator gives me chills. Can’t imagine how it must feel like to do it for real.

[@chuckh9168]

I have tried and failed several times now (rookie sim pilot), making the mistake of trying to come in from a more easterly route.

[@iamarine]

​@@chuckh9168I used to fly all of the MS flight Sims throughout the years with FSX being the last. I learned how to use SIDS and STARS as well as approach plates and would actually do flight planning for my online flights on VATSIM. I had flown into Lukla many times using the approach plates. The real life pilots who land there have to have specialized training to do so and have a special license specifically to land at that airport

[@austinevplab7167]

Sounded like a stall warning inches from the runway. Probably the safest way to land there!

[@koalzacdark9734]

Coalsack dark nebula. Esses são verdadeiros pilotos decolar e pousar principalmente num lugar desse cheio de montanhas desafiadoras não é pra qualquer piloto não .isso é um trabalho perigoso.parabens pelo belo video.

[@user-bg5dw2nk4x]

A big thanks to the crew: the mountains are spectacular to view but these brave are focused on one objective- survivial.

[@pablito1904]

Stunning vid ! These nepalese pilots are true aces !

[@FlyingRagilein]

Whoa. What an approach! I was curious about the go-around procedure and just googled it up: If the info that I found is correct, then after crossing the Dudkoshi River (which should be around 4:00 in the video), you are committed to land because there is no safe room for turning around anymore.

[@yakbreeder]

I remember a documentary years ago about Everest climbers, it mentioned the no go-around at Lukla. Kind of frightening to think about.

[@rafaeladhemar5263]

Excelente video!! Muy bien logrado!! GRACIAS !!! Saludos desde Argentina!! 🇦🇷

[@abmenon3755]

Nothing but excellent very very dangerous approach my god very scary buy very professional pilot tx

[@grecco3631]

Es usted un maestro insuperable, perfecto. Saludos desde México.

[@czrider6300]

Wow. All I can say. They are the real pilots.

[@sebasttatogo1605]

An amazing flight to Lukla and the pilot itself is really skillful one. Bravo.

[@Fly-In-Music]

Vous nous faites partager des émotions intenses pour des passionnés comme nous, comme vous, en compagnie de l'un des meilleurs Pilotes du Monde, et en 2160p 4k avec ça! Merci infiniment💌

[@aleksahak]

Merci beaucoup pour votre aimable commentaire. Je suis très heureux que vous ayez trouvé le contenu intéressant!

[@pauldavies4870]

Awesome, thanks for that. Bought back memories.

[@asharma9345]

Respect to The Pilot .

[@mdpetty53]

I've been there. Landing and taking off at Lukla is for sure...interesting.

[@guillermopatricioeduardoso4162]

Cualquiera no hace ése peligroso aterrizaje. Saludos désde Valdivia, Chile 🇨🇱.

[@sobrevoandobra]

In the simulation, this airport is the most dangerous, too 😎👏👏👏

[@padanaprototipi]

Extremely skillet pillot: perfect landing on a terribly challenging airport.

[@iamarine]

I noticed how the pilot was constantly scanning his instruments, especially his turn and bank, artificial horizon and his airspeed. Uis eyes were constantly moving, 100% focused on his task. Great job and great video. I only wish the camera was out the middle of the windshield but yiu can only do what is available. Grwat job!!!❤

[@rha4374]

That's unbelievable until i witnessed this video, these guys don't have a nerve in their body. Absolutely fabulous flying skills probably knowing if anything goes wrong were doomed mr manwaring ,doomed a tell ya 😊 Grateful thanks for this video and congratulations well deserved to these very brave pilots.

[@jim373]

I have just attempted this on MSFS 2020 in VR after flying around and over Everest (the only way I'm going to get even remotely close to this area), absolutely spectacular and only took 5 attempts to land and then park the plane :^)) One of my failures was keeping enough forward momentum to get up the final steep slope at the end of the runway just before turning right into the parking ramp area. This final slope (at least in MSFS) is much steeper than it appeared in the video and on one of my attempts I managed to get the plane on the ground under control but then rolled back down this slope and the plane tipped up and therefore crashed, luckily an imaginary plane in an imaginary world, but still very exciting. Having made repeated attempts I thought I would watch how it was supposed to be done and was gladdened to see my route of entry was about the same and my approach, etc. was similar(ish) just that the real pilot looked much more in control and relaxed than I had been on any of my attempts. (P.S. I have flown real aircraft in my youth but no longer in my dotage.)

[@aleksahak]

Thanks for sharing your experience Jim. MSFS is so realistic! And you have also flown actual iron birds. That is awesome!!! Taking classes and getting a pilot license is one of my dreams. Re appearing next to Everest: you never know. A few months before the video was recorded I would myself just seriously laugh at the idea that I would EVER be there, so never say never, especially if you are capable of travelling in the most important place that matters - your mind!

[@wozslater7695]

Reminds me of that Leslie Neilson moment from the movie Airplane... Can you fly this plane and land it" he says to the guy, "Surely you can't be serious" the guy replies ~ "I-am serious, he says, and don't call me Shirley"... Cessna Pilots, passenger jets, skyscrapers, waiting for a movie Hollywood...

[@mangalbob956]

Ghurka pilots the best in the world, Jai mahakali !!! This was a power on short field landing

[@vynderma]

I flew in there in 1983 when the landing strip was unpaved. One of the most thrilling experiences of my life. Met Sir Edmund Hilary in Kumjung where he was building his school. Flying out is even scarier.

[@rinanaude9838]

Landing

[@supergranfadiytvlange618]

Well trend pilots.... warm greetings from Philippines..

[@stanvanillo9831]

I don't think many people understand how badass those pilots are.

[@cobra1010]

Wow, this pilot is a master!

[@jcsk8]

EPIC. Best video of that place. Thanks.

[@Gabriel60FT]

Tremendo aterrizaje y nada mas ni nada menos que en LUKLA !! .... FELICITACIONES!!! ... además adoro el LET-410 tanto como a sus otros compañeros en la faena de la zona, el Twin Otter y el Do-228, ya que me enloquecen los aviones típicamente STOL.

[@TRPGpilot]

Very, very nice! Thanks for sharing.

[@killsapm8883]

Outstanding job, golden hands!

[@dipqib]

Breathtaking! Awesome!

[@IvanDominguezCatalan-fg9gj]

Todo un experto mi admiracion y respeto a ese piloto, saludos desde mi bello México

[@ToddAndelin]

wow... awesome footage... what a beautiful place....

[@ahowlettuk]

Absolutley incredible!!

[@terrythekittieful]

That was a work of art.

[@nestororcellet1447]

Gracias thank you por tan beatiful tomas abrazo cuidense dsd BsAires 🇦🇷

[@reyaanray7032]

Amazing.. one of the best airplane videos of my life

[@aleksahak]

Thanks a lot!

[@deveshshirke3466]

Some serious nerves of steel … Amazing Airmanship.

[@josfam343]

I think the the pleasure of flying over the mountain an exelen experience thank you for sharing.

[@georgeblackley6028]

Best video of this ever.

[@Proverbs-uw3ng]

Wow that is crazy everywhere you look there is no place to land, and where he does land looks like he needs every bit of runway, thanks for the video.

[@Thomas1980]

WOW!!!! SUPER VIDEO!!!!

[@EVELYNEMIL]

Absolutely phenomenal!!.

[@virginiafry9854]

Pilots have to be specially trained for this airport.

[@kaesarromanova1876]

Really? I couldn’t imagine it! Thank you for writing it! You’re a genius!

[@rapture2026roshhashanah]

​@@kaesarromanova1876 yes believe it or not they require special training.

[@kaesarromanova1876]

@@rapture2026roshhashanah really? Thank you too my friend

[@rapture2026roshhashanah]

@@kaesarromanova1876 you're welcome 😁

[@ronnielittlerock7208]

Lol, I think sarcasm is a forgotten art.

[@grampageorge3407]

That was a good video,good flying as well!

[@runwayray]

Awesome skills

[@AnimalsKevin]

Nice video... Honestly, that place is dangerous, would love to see more of these videos. Thank You. KEVIN FROM KENYA I've Subscribed

[@ephales]

I took this flight to Lukla in 1987 en route to Tengpoche Monastery and the runway back then was a makeshift runway in what looked like a field. It certainly wasn't a smooth landing.

[@CU-nz9ud]

The curtains match the control yoke. Nice !!!!!

[@jacopofbargellini4005]

Really really impressive! Thank you so much for this footage i really felt i was on the plane with you and had a lot of emotions!

[@rickowens396]

Never knew part Matador was needed in certain pilot jobs. Well Done Pilot!!!

[@MsQD]

3/4's of the way into video & I'm still wondering, WHERE'S THE AIRPORT! YIKES!

[@aleksahak]

You need to stick to YT Shorts.

[@rmahideep]

Oh my God ! What a Pilot !! Salute

[@krazylevin]

Really nice vid. Thank you

[@unitedchainsofamerica]

Yikes 😬 the way he stuck that plane down bravo 👏

[@worldaviation4k]

*Eyes on the speed and outside awesome work by the pilot*

[@chrysopylaedesign]

Kudos to the Pilot. But......THAT ISN'T AN AIRPORT. It is a wide road on the edge of a mountain cliff !!!!

[@PMC47]

Good video👍 I like the shot of the pilot at the end. Captain, Sir! He hit it right in the numbers. What a pro.

[@aleksahak]

Thanks!

[@philipgaida2548]

A real stick and rudder man! Amazing!

[@adolforosado]

Lovely movie, thanks for sharing.

[@Robbo1966]

Total commitment to that landing, no chance of a go around, well down Captain

[@Papaondas]

well done Skipper 👏

[@victorgolfseven]

Tremendo!!!!❤

[@edmarcosta1908]

The best vídeo!

[@OliverG20]

Good vid

[@vaidyanathannarayanaswamy7116]

Great piloting skill. GOD Bless you

[@bishnukumarshrestha5839]

Magnificent scene... N great job pilot

[@danmidkiff5416]

Beautiful approach scenery!

[@josemarino4270]

Insane! Cool pilot!

[@guillermopatricioeduardoso4162]

Bendiciones al valiente piloto.

[@jpkatz1435]

10,000 BLESSINGS

[@dogloverjb6873]

they had a nice clear day to land... great pilot